Books A Mllion Then a Crafts Show

 

In the wake of this month cracking the one-million-page-views mark with this blog, I had the chance to present my books to my neighbors and others at Coosaw Creek Country Club in Noarth Charleston, where we live. 

Eight residents were selected to have tables set with their handmade creations. I was indeed honored to be part of it all on Sunday, Nov. 8.

Feedback from the vendors is that everyone had a good afternoon of sales. I was pleased to sign and sell nearly a dozen of my books. Children picked from my feather collection when their parent or grandparent bought one of my bird books. 

A couple from our church in Summerville attended and bought my “Churchyards of Charleston” book. It was great to meet them. And I appreciated St. John the Beloved Church including in the bulletins for two weeks information I submitted promoting the Coosaw Creek Crafts Fair. 

Fun While It Lasted- Farewell Coosaw Stroll Magazine

 

Last January a magazine company began a monthly publication for my neighborhood, Coosaw Creek Country Club. Stroll, free to residents, had a polished high-quality glossy look. It was advertising- driven and each issue seemed to have plenty of ads with new local businesses appearing regularly. 

Within a few months, I met the publisher at a clubhouse event. She invited me to contribute a bird-themed article and photographs for each month’s issue. 

I didn’t need to be asked twice! Birds and bird photography- that's definitely in my wheelhouse. I've published two books full of my bird and nature photographs: "The Birds of Magnolia Cemetery: Charleston's Secret Bird Sanctuary" and "Nature-ly Fun! Bird Photography from A to Z." Both, along with my other books, are sold on Amazon and by me personally. 

My first “Peck of the Month” piece appeared in the March 2025 magazine. Following are the articles I wrote in subsequent months. I really liked the layout done by Stroll’s production team. 

Fall Crafts Fair Fun!

Saturday, Nov. 2 was a bright sunny day- nice weather for my neighborhood’s annual arts and crafts fair. I was there with my books and sold eight, mostly copies of “Nature-ly Fun: Bird Photography from A to Z.” 
 

This is a fun book that I am so proud to have authored. I use the 26 letters of the alphabet to espouse nature, the great outdoors and, of course, birding as an interesting and enriching hobby. 

One way I promote the book is to say how it is a great way for young children to learn the alphabet, learn to read, and learn about the glorious variety of birds in the world. This is excellent material for parents and grandparents to read to their youngsters at bedtime. 

I’m so glad to have a small lightweight table perfect for events like this. 

To follow are photos I took of the 17 other Coosaw Creek neighbors who also had the chance to showcase their creative talents, creations and endeavors. 

Fun Neighborhood Arts and Crafts Fair!

 

My books and I yesterday made the short drive to the Coosaw Creek Country Club clubhouse and pool area to participate in what has become an annual early November arts and crafts fair. 

This was my second year to have a table at this popular event. It was very timely this time last year as my new book, “Stories from the Underground: The Churchyards of Charleston” had been released just weeks earlier. 

I decided to offer several of my old lightly used (and freshly washed) Coosaw Creek clothing and golf items as free gifts with the purchase of my more expensive books. The sweatshirt you see here on the left did find a new home! 

We have some “crafty,” creative and artistic residents in our fine neighborhood. Fifteen or so of them had creations to display and sell. 

The four hours went by quickly! I enjoyed many conversations with folks who stopped by my table and whose tables I visited. 

I figured I would not sell as many books as I did at last year's event, and I didn’t. But I actually did better than the “guesstimate” figure I had in mind. 

I did not leave empty-handed in other ways too. I bought a nice hoodie sold by Jairy Hunter who has his own clothing company called Holy City Brand Apparel. 

Check out his Instagram site here. 

Thanks Alesia for this nice pix. 

I am so pleased with this purchase! It fits great and is very comfortable. I am wearing it right now as I write this post while sitting on my back porch. 

Jairy has previously purchased a few of my books to give as gifts, I believe, so it is nice to reciprocate. 

Plus in my “Churchyards of Charleston” book I go into how the Holy City of Charleston earned this nickname. 

Here are two other items I purchased from neighbors: a decorative Christmas plate made from clothesline rope and a lovely long and thick scarf sewn by my crafts fair table neighbor named Biddy.  

Fun First Signing Event

Saturday, Oct. 8 was a beautiful fall day, perfect weather for a book signing outdoors. This was in my North Charleston neighborhood, Coosaw Creek. I received permission to have the event in the covered area near the pool. The spot is referred to as the cabana. 

Little Blue and Great Blue Herons in Flight

 I am fortunate to live by a golf course pond that is a wonderful ecosystem. It attracts a variety of wading birds (Egrets and Herons especially), turtles, frogs, alligators, and the occasional snake. And there are some fish in there too and residents and guests occasionally fish the pond. Over the years, though not lately because the pond is no longer stocked with bass, I have caught and released a number of bass, crappie and sunfish. 

The other day I photographed a Little Blue Heron that I have seen at the pond for a while. After popping off a few shots as I got closer and closer I set the camera to burst mode to see if I could capture a decent in-flight shot or two. Take note of the dragonfly in a couple of pond-side shots. 

Alligator Comes A Calling!

 

Well this was a first! Living in coastal South Carolina on a golf course with several man-made ponds, including the one that adjoins our backyard, we are used to alligator sightings in the waters, and their comings and goings slithering across yards and streets. 

But Sunday night was a first as far as one coming a little too close for comfort! This youngster came to our front porch. I spotted the reptile through a window around 7 p.m. when going up the stairs by the front door. 

I soon brought in the frog ornaments you see at the top of the steps. Maybe it thought they were real and would be an easy meal? I don’t know how gators think! 

The size indicated to me that this was a juvenile. Looking for mama or other family? 

It didn’t get closer to our porch. It stayed here for a couple hours. And fortunately was gone by the morning. 

Sunday night I shared these images on my neighborhood’s Facebook site called “Coosaw Creek Living.” Within hours fellow residents posted half a dozen recent pictures of what looked like this and other alligators on the move. 

This is part of living where we live. Don’t bother them and they won’t bother you, I say. But do be careful to always keep your doors and garages closed! 

Tragic Hawk Deaths Stir My Neighborhood

 

My bike ride a few days ago became a rescue effort when not far from my house I spotted this hawk on the ground. It was next to the cart path along the No. 14 fairway at the Coosaw Creek Country Club where we live. 

I stopped my bike to look at the bird that just six feet away or so. It didn’t fly away, instead, it opened its wings slightly. This is a juvenile hawk so I thought it was just disoriented possibly.  Or, more seriously, it was injured or sick. 

After taking a few photos with my phone I rode home and told Alesia about the situation. after giving her location details she rode her bike and found the poor hawk now laying on its side. She took this picture. 

Sunday Morning Pileated Woodpecker Treat!

Last Sunday morning was a bit chilly but clear outside so I decided to read the newspaper on my back porch. I was soon rewarded with an unexpected birding adventure when I started hearing the unmistakable sounds of a woodpecker at work.